Today, President Barack Obama will announce the recipients of the 2010 Presidential Citizens Medal – and you can watch it live from the White House website.

For over 40 years, the Presidential Citizens Medal has recognized Americans who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens." Past recipients have included some of America's most respected public figures but also everyday heroes - united by an unwavering commitment to service. The Medal is among the highest honors a civilian can receive.

This year, President Obama did something different – he asked all Americans to nominate individuals who have made an impact in their community. After sorting through over 6,000 nominations from all over the country, 13 recipients were selected.

These honorees represent a handful of extraordinary citizens using service to transform the lives of others in communities in need across the country. Everyday heroes like Betty Chin, 72, of Eureka, CA, who has prepared meals for 200 people on the streets twice a day for twice a day for over twenty years.

This year’s winners serve as an inspiration for all of us. You can watch today's announcement live at 2pm EDT at WhiteHouse.gov/live.